He claims that at the time he is alleged to have stripped and strangled her, he was at home with his parents, who are no longer alive.

Docherty has also lodged a special defence of incrimin-ation, claiming the culprit might be among a list of 41 names taken from files of the police investigation into the alleged murder.

Mr Docherty faces a charge which alleges that on June 2, 1986, in a lane near Ardgowan Street, Greenock, he seized Elaine by the hair, struck her on the head and either removed or compelled her to remove her clothing.

The charge goes on to allege that Docherty forced Elaine to the ground, pushed her face to the ground, sat or knelt on the teenager then placed a ligature round her neck and strangled her.

Docherty also denies stealing a handbag from Ardgowan Street on the same date.

He also denies a further charge of attacking another woman, Linda Hargie, on various occasions between 1990 and 1995 at an address in Ann Street, Greenock, by seizing her and pushing her on the head.

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